Cucumber Raïta Sophie'S Way

• Cucumber (one average for two persons)
• Salt, pepper
• Fromage frais or natural unsweetened yogurt
• Fresh mint(optional)
• Aniseed (optional)
• Pomengranate seeds (optional)
• Raisins(optional)
• Paprika (optional)

1. (Based on 1 cucumber/ 2 persons)
2. Grate cucumber and mix with fromage frais or unsweetened yogurt till desired consistency, more or less two cups (must be thick but homogeneous). Blend in some salt and black pepper (to taste), a teaspoon of aniseed and about 20-30 leaves of chopped fresh mint (discard stems). Reserve a few of the top or "budding leaves" (or the nicest ones in the bunch) for decoration. Place in fridge for about 30 min to an hour. This can also be prepared the day before, decorating at the last minute. When serving, place in big serving bowl and add a few non-chopped leaves for decorating.
3. A few pomengranate seeds or dried raisins can be added for a sweet-and-sour alternative. In this case, omit the mint leaves but keep the aniseed. Use either pomengranate or dried raisins.
4. If you don't like aniseed, paprika is a great alternative. In this case, omit all other additions except salt and pepper.

cucumber, salt, yogurt, pomengranate seeds, paprika

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/cucumber-raita-sophies-way-1203320 (may not work)